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If consciousness can be transferred or copied, what happens to identity, and does death lose its meaning?

This concept began to take shape with works like "Ghost in the Shell" exploring consciousness merging with networks. "Permutation City" rigorously explored the philosophical and mathematical implications of digital consciousness and simulated reality. Morgan's "Altered Carbon" popularized the concept of 'consciousness transfer' and digital immortality through 'sleeves,' exploring its societal impact. Gibson's "Synners" delved into consciousness uploading and data-driven existence.

How the idea moved: 15 landmark works

  1. Introduced the concept of suspended animation and reanimation, pushing the boundaries of scientific manipulation of life and death.

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  2. Delved into the subjective experience of altered consciousness and its consequences, touching upon identity and the self.

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  3. 1967Dangerous VisionsHarlan EllisonEvolutionShort Story

    Expanded the exploration of 'inner space,' altered states of consciousness, and the boundaries of human identity.

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  4. 1969UbikPhilip K. DickEvolutionNovel

    Explored cryonic suspension and 'half-life' technology, blurring the lines between life and death.

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  5. 1981VALISPhilip K. DickBridgeNovel

    Explored the concept of information as a living entity, implying a form of consciousness or divine intelligence beyond the physical.

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  6. 1986Count ZeroWilliam GibsonEvolutionNovel

    Explored the convergence of human consciousness with advanced AI and digital entities within cyberspace.

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  7. 1988CyteenC.J. CherryhBridgeNovel

    Explored cloning as a form of consciousness replication, raising questions about identity and the transfer of personality.

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  8. Solidified themes of digital consciousness and uploading, exploring new forms of existence beyond the physical body.

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  9. 1991SynnersPat CadiganEvolutionNovel

    Delved into the consequences of consciousness uploading and digital immortality within a cyberpunk setting.

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  10. 1994Permutation CityGreg EganEvolutionNovel

    Rigorously explored the philosophical and mathematical implications of digital consciousness and identity in simulated environments.

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  11. Depicted the fusion of human consciousness with digital networks, exploring its impact on identity.

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  12. Popularized the concept of 'consciousness transfer' and digital immortality, exploring its societal implications and the value of human life.

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  13. Examines a form of digital immortality through neural implants that allow the living to host the memories and consciousness of the dead.

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  14. 2019Exhalation: StoriesTed ChiangEvolutionShort Story

    Delves into the nature of consciousness, identity, and the potential for non-biological or transferred forms of existence.

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  15. 2022SeveranceDan EricksonEvolutionTV Series

    Examines the fragmentation of consciousness and identity through surgical severance, creating distinct 'selves' within one body.

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